As the world celebrates Teachers’ Day on October 5, we recognize the efforts made by these modern heroes of online teaching and remote learning. These teachers were tasked to make an emergency shift to virtual instruction. These teachers have not been prepared for the challenges of COVID-19.
After almost two months of thriving in the digital environment, some RCI teachers share their experiences on how they have confidently managed to survive the challenges they have encountered.
“Online classes need extra effort and patience. You need to motivate yourself everyday to love your students. You need to understand their differences, why they behave the way they do during online classes. Each day is a unique experience.” – C. Causing
“My challenges include poor internet connection, but for me, it is the lack of human connection which concerns me most. I give my students consideration and I emphasize to them that they are not alone in this battle- in fact, they have me as their teacher and Riverside College to back them up. All together, we can launch an attack. When there is power interruption and poor internet connectivity, I initiate retreat and I request for back up, just like playing Mobile Legends. For me, communication and honesty are the most important elements in my virtual relationship with my students.” – L. Ayson
“I am not a “techy” person but because of the help extended by my colleagues, I have learned to adapt and I enjoy having online classes. When my students have a difficulty in connectivity when we are having quizzes, I appreciate that they text to inform me of their problem. I have to increase my patience and empathy.” – V. Manzan
These teachers are finding ways to reach out to their students. They make sure that no one is left behind. They continue to innovate to keep the students engaged. They manage their own children’s online classes while meeting their own students’ expectations.
Regardless of their years in the teaching profession, today’s teachers are equally new in virtual instruction. We appreciate them not because of the number of hours they spend “on screen” but because they do so much to ensure that students are equipped with values applicable even “off screen.”
